ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Vice President's Secretariat
Raksha Bandan is a symbol of care and protection: Vice President
Meets over 100 Children from various Schools
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Raksha Bandan is a symbol of care and protection. He was addressing more than 100 School Children from various Schools in Delhi who came to his residence to tie Rakhi on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, here today.
The Vice President said that it is an ancient Bharatheeya tradition and the festival of Raksha Bandhan, traditionally a celebration of human bonding between sisters and brothers, has a larger significance for contemporary times and probably for all times. It is celebration of solidarity, a celebration of unity and a celebration of humanism, he added.
The Vice President said that let us tie that Rakhi that binds us all together. Let us forget all the differences that tend to fragment our social fabric, he added.
The Vice President said that Raksha Bandhan signifies the invisible bond between brother and sister and it also reflects inherent implication of protection of a sister by the brother. He further said that let us all uphold the tradition of Raksha Bandhan by ensuring protection and respecting dignity of all women. Beti bachao, Beti Padhao and Beti Badaao should be the mantra of every Indian, he added.
The Minister for External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj visited the Vice President's residence and tied the Rakhi to him. The spouse of the Vice President, Smt. Usha Naidu was present on the occasion and exchanged warm greetings on Raksha Bandhan.
Election Commission
Election Commission announces Schedule for General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra, 2019 as also the Schedule for bye-elections to fill casual vacancy in the Parliamentary Constituency & State Legislative Assemblies of various States/UTs
Election Commission of India today announced the Schedule for General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra, 2019 as also the Schedule for bye-elections to fill casual vacancy in the Parliamentary Constituency & State Legislative Assemblies of various States/UTs.
Click here to See Schedule-1
Click here to See Schedule-2
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy launches Massive Rescue and Rehabilitation Effort
In the aftermath of the devastation caused by Extremely Severe Cyclone ‘Fani’, the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has launched a massive rescue and rehabilitation effort in Odisha. Two Maritime Recce sorties were undertaken by the Dornier aircraft of the Navy revealing widespread destruction localised around the temple town of Puri. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command personally undertook aerial survey of the cyclone affected area with the first light on 04th May and visited INS Chilka to review the relief efforts.
Based on the aerial surveys, the Eastern Naval Command is undertaking a three-pronged rescue and rehabilitation effort centred around Puri and its suburbs in coordination with the State Government and District Administration. Relief and rehabilitation ‘bricks’ and ‘pallets’  comprising food material, essential medical supplies, clothing items, disinfectants, repair material, chain saws for removing damaged trees, torches and batteries, etc. have been sent to INS Chilka, a naval establishment at Odisha, closest to Puri. The Naval Officer-in-Charge is centrally coordinating distribution of these relief materials and community kitchen is planned to be set up.
Simultaneously, three Eastern Fleet ships are undertaking rescue and rehabilitation efforts from the Sea. The IN ships Ranvijay, Kadmatt and Airavat with three helicopters are presently operating off Puri and coordinating aerial survey and immediate response from Sea through their integral helicopters. As the first responders, helicopters from the ships have been able to provide immediate support. In order to coordinate the relief efforts, the Eastern Naval Command has pre-positioned Liaison teams in cyclone affected areas around Puri, who in turn are directing the rescue and relief efforts being undertaken by the ships.
With the likely opening of the Bhubaneshwar airport today, Chetak and UH3H helicopters are being positioned there by the Navy to launch rescue efforts and air-dropping of relief material to the inaccessible and remote areas. The deployment of the helicopters at Bhubaneshwar would enable aerial rescue of stranded personnel to safer areas as well as access to areas without road connectivity.
In order to sustain the rescue and relief over the next few days, the Eastern Naval Command has additional ships standby relief material.
DKS/AC
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Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVY's NAVAL AVIATION INDUSTRY OUTREACH PROGRAMME AT KOLKATA
A Naval Aviation Industry Outreach Programme in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry, Eastern Region, CII was conducted on 11 Apr 23 at Kolkata. The event was organised by the Naval Liaison Cell, Barrackpore under the aegis of HQENC. VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff , presided over the inaugural session with senior functionaries of tri services, Coast Guard, DRDO and CII sharing their perspectives on Indigenisation.
The event aimed at fostering an eco system conducive to ‘Innovate-Integrate-Indigenise’ witnessed active participation of over 100 industry partners operating in and around Kolkata. During the event, the second edition of Manual for Indigenisation of Air Stores  which has undergone a comprehensive review after its initial publication in 2010 was released by the DCNS.
This contemporary edition of the guiding document for Naval Indigenisation agencies also included simplified procedures for fast-tracking indigenisation and avenues to effectively utilise extant financial regulation. The Technical sessions by Indian Naval agencies and Industry partners that followed the inaugural session were reviewed by RAdm Deepak Bansal, ACNS .
VM/JSN
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Ministry of Defence
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES AT WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND
The Western Naval Command has been at the forefront in promoting environmental conservation activities at all stations spread across the west coast. It has been a constant endeavour to motivate personnel to imbibe the habit of protecting mother nature as part of their grooming. Over a period of time, multi-dimensional approach has been adopted towards conservation of the environment and implementation of energy conservation methods.
Naval personnel at WNC have been actively involved in rejuvenation of various mangroves along the coast at Mumbai and other stations. Community clean-ups in the neighbourhood, workshops and seminars, awareness campaigns, coastal cleanship and tree plantation drives have been undertaken by the command throughout the year. Besides this, implementation of sustainable policies, green initiatives like promoting recycling, reducing plastic consumption, adoption of renewable energy, in-house handling and recycling of bio and non-biodegradable waste, adoption of energy efficient and water saving practices have been implemented. A Miyawaki forest has been established at NAD Trombay and has been widely appreciated.
As part of #GreenIndia initiative of the Gol, various naval stations of WNC have planted local flora saplings over the year. Under #PuneetSagarAbhiyan, mass coastal clean ship drives have been undertaken along the coast of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka on numerous occasions. Awareness campaigns and clean up drives in coordination with local municipal bodies and NGOs have resulted in disposal of large quantity of plastic waste since Mar 2022.
Continuing with the Green environment initiatives, 'Beat Plastic Pollution' has been adopted as the theme by ND . With the active involvement of WNC Parivaar, mass cleanship has been undertaken at all residential areas. Various plantation drives, lectures / seminars and painting competition are being conducted. A Pledge taking ceremony towards a greener, sustainable and healthier environment have been conducted in all Naval stations.
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MK/VM/PS
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Cabinet
Cabinet apprised of the MoU signed between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of on youth affairs and sports
Cabinet apprised of the MoU signed between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of on youth affairs and sports
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  signed between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of youth affairs and sports.
The MoU will help in promoting exchange of ideas, values and culture amongst all youth irrespective of their caste, religion and gender as well as development of sports in the two countries. In turn, it will help in consolidating friendly relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister's Office
Text of PM’s statement ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament
Monsoon Session of the Parliament gets underway today. After summer, the advent of first rain brings in a fresh new smell into the soil. Similarly, this Monsoon Session will bring in a new spirit after the successful implementation of GST. Whenever the Political Parties and the Government take decisions keeping in mind the national interest, it shows their commitment towards the larger public good. It has been proved successfully with the implementation of GST. The GST spirit is about growing stronger together. I hope the same GST spirit prevails in this Session. The Monsoon Session is significant on several accounts. Nation completes seven decades of Independence on 15th August, 2017. Quit India Movement turns 75 years on 9th August, 2017. During this Session, the nation gets an opportunity to elect the new President and the Vice President. In a way, this period is full of many significant events for the nation. Therefore, it is natural that the public attention will be focussed more on the Monsoon Session this year. As the Monsoon Session of Parliament gets underway, we salute our farmers who have been ensuring food security for the country with their hard work. It is my firm belief that the Monsoon Session will provide an opportunity to all the Political Parties and the MPs to enter into a dialogue of the highest quality with value addition for taking major decisions in the larger national interest together.
Many many thanks to you.
Ministry of Finance
Indo-German Government to Government Umbrella Agreements worth Euro 653.7 Million  on Financial Cooperation and Technical Cooperation 2017 were signed today in New Delhi
The Government to Government Umbrella Agreement on Financial Cooperation and Technical Cooperation 2017 under the Indo-German Bilateral Development Cooperation were signed here in New Delhi today. Government to Government Umbrella Agreement on Financial Cooperation was signed to formalise an amount of up to Euro 610 million Reduced Interest Loan  and Euro 5.5 million Financial grant and the Government to Government Umbrella Agreement on Technical Cooperation was signed to formalise an amount of up to Euro 38.20 million Technical grant for various projects mainly in the field of Energy, Environment and Urban Development. Hence, the total amount formalized through Umbrella
Agreements is Euro 653.7 million .
The Agreements were signed by H.E. Dr. Martin Ney, Ambassador on behalf of the Government of Federal Republic of Germany. Shri Sameer Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance signed the Agreements on behalf of the Government of India.
Ministry of Railways
Running of Local/Intra-State Trains
Indian Railways neither operate train services nor maintain data pertaining to passenger booking on State-wise basis as the railway network straddles across various State boundaries. Prior to cancellation of regular passenger carrying services w.e.f. 23.03.2020, Indian Railways operated approximately 3635 passenger train services per day and 5881 suburban trains services per day. The Zone-wise detail of average monthly passenger booked during the last 5 years i.e. between 2015-16 to 2019-20 is as under:
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Zonal Railway/Year
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2015-16

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2016-17

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2017-18

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2018-19

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2019-20

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Central
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142.10
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146.54
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148.45
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154.49
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147.89
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Eastern
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97.37
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98.69
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101.93
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105.55
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104.00
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East Central
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21.72
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21.94
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20.77
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20.79
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19.53
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East Coast
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7.75
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7.98
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8.00
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8.31
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8.11
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Northern
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51.29
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49.09
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47.82
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47.34
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44.78
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North Central
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14.22
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14.08
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14.19
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14.20
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13.21
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North Eastern
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18.67
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16.77
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16.40
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15.89
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15.06
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Northeast Frontier
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7.92
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8.43
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8.53
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8.95
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8.78
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North Western
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12.45
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11.25
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13.87
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15.00
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14.78
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Southern
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66.55
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66.56
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67.86
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69.81
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66.67
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South Central
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29.01
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26.74
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32.21
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32.25
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30.21
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South Eastern
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21.41
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21.61
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21.64
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22.17
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21.06
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South East Central
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10.74
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10.28
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10.24
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10.18
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9.59
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South Western
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15.35
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15.07
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16.12
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16.54
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15.32
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Western
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132.02
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133.68
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133.90
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132.62
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126.96
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West Central
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11.06
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11.20
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11.38
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11.37
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10.84
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Metro
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15.97
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16.43
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17.16
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17.76
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17.01
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Total
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675.61
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676.34
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690.48
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703.25
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673.81
In view of the prevailing Covid-19 situation and for effective management of the pandemic, presently, only special trains, with limited stoppages, keeping in view the concerns and suggestions of State Governments are being operated. As on 31.01.2021, Indian Railways, in consultation with the State Governments concerned have, in phases operationalised approximately 5350 suburban/Passenger services per day and 206 passenger services per day. Besides, Indian Railways is keeping a close watch on the prevailing situation and is in all readiness to resume regular train operations.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Project for Six-laning of NH-140 from Chittoor to Mallavaram in Andhra Pradesh to be completed by 30 Sep 2022
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari said Team MoRTH is working 24x7 on a mission mode to make #NewIndia, the 'Infrastructure Hub of The World'. In a series of tweets he said taking forward the mission, the project for Six-laning of NH-140 from Chittoor to Mallavaram in Andhra Pradesh is progressing at a rapid pace under #BharatmalaPariyojana.
The Minister said this NH section connects important towns in Chittoor District i.e. Chittoor and Tirupati via religious place Kanipakam. He said the project length starts at Kukkalapalli and ends at Mallavaram, consists of 2 bypasses at Kasipentla and Kanipakam, 14 grade separators, 6 Major Bridges and ~15 minor bridges.
Shri Gadkari said the project length is operational since May 2021 & Balance Works are expected to be completed by 30 Sep 2022. He said after the completion of the project, the region would witness dynamic transformation with enhanced connectivity that would further boost economic activities & religious tourism.
MJPS
(Visitor Counter : 1518
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
1000 immunity booster kits given to BSF by Ministry of I&B's Field Unit and Ayurvedic Dept.
Chandigarh, 14 July, 2020
In an effort to boost the immunity of Border Security Force  personnel deployed on India-Pakistan border in Punjab, Field Outreach Bureau  of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Jalandhar facilitated to provide 1000 Ayurvedic immunity booster kits to the BSF through Punjab Ayurvedic Department.
The idea to provide the natural immunity boosters was especially conceptualised by the FOB keeping in view the present Covid-19 situation in the country. Since the personnel of BSF, the first line of defence, are manning the Punjab border round the clock, these herbal boosters would help them in enhancing their body’s natural defence system that plays an important role in maintaining optimum health.
Field Publicity Officer Rajesh Bali along with Jalandhar District Ayurvedic Officer Dr Joginder Pal presented one thousand kits of immunity boosters to Sh. Mahipal Yadav, IPS, Inspector General, BSF, Punjab Frontier, at the BSF campus, today.
Dr Rakesh Sharma Director, Ayurvedic Department, Punjab, said that it’s a proud moment for his department to extend the services to BSF which is securing our borders so we can live peacefully without any fear. He said the immunity booster, which is especially made for frontline workers, is in the form of decoction . It is made from Tulsi , Dalchini , Kalimirch  and Saunth . It may be taken once or twice a day after boiling in water or tea. He also assured to provide more such kits at regular intervals.

Sh. Mahipal Yadav, IPS, IG BSF Punjab appreciated the efforts of Ayurvedic department and Field Outreach Bureau for providing herbal kits.
In the past also, Chandigarh-based Regional Outreach Bureau of the ministry has organised cultural evenings for the troops of the Border Security Force which is manning 553-kms long Punjab border with Pakistan. Medical camps and awareness campaigns had also been jointly organised by FOB and BSF for border populace.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Nidhi Companies to apply to the Central government for updation of their status/ declaration as Nidhi Company in Form NDH-4 in accordance to amended provisions of the Companies Act and Nidhi Amendment Rules 2019
In order to make regulatory regime for Nidhi Companies more effective and also to accomplish the objectives of transparency & investor friendliness in corporate environment of the country, the Central Government has recently amended the provisions related to NIDHI under the Companies Act and the Rules .
The amended provisions of the Companies Act  and Nidhi rules  require that the Nidhi companies have to apply to the Central government for updation of their status/ declaration as Nidhi Company in Form NDH-4.
The time-frame for applying to Central Government in form NDH-4 is as under:-
- Companies incorporated as Nidhi before Nidhi Amendment Rules, 2019 i.e. 15.08.2019 have to apply within a period of one year from the date of its incorporation or within 9 months of the Nidhi Amendment Rules i.e. 15.08.2019 whichever is later.
- Companies incorporated as Nidhi on or after Nidhi Amendment Rules, 2019 i.e. 15.08.2019 have to apply within 60 days of expiry of one year from the date of incorporation or extended period .
In case a company does not comply with the above requirements, it shall not be allowed to file Form No. SH–7  and Form PAS–3 .
Such companies are required to ensure strict adherence to provision of Companies Act, 1956/2013 and Nidhi Rules, 2014 as amended. In case of contravention of the provisions of these Rules, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall initially be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees and further fine in case of continuous violations.
Further, the Investors are advised to verify the status of Nidhi company from the notification issued by Central Government in official gazette before making any investment or deposit.
Under Nidhi Rules, 2014, Nidhi is a company which has been incorporated as a Nidhi with the object of cultivating the habit of thrift and saving amongst its members, receiving deposits from, and lending to, its members only, for their mutual benefit.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Cultivation of Short Duration Varieties  of Rice for Straw Management
The cultivation of Short Duration Varieties  provide extended window between Kharif harvesting of paddy and wheat sowing for Rabi, thereby giving sufficient time to the rice farmers for in-situ management and removal of excess paddy straw. The varietal trait for height is inherent in self-pollinated crop like paddy. The dwarf varieties have less production of straw as compared to the tall varieties.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research and State Agriculture Universities  have developed high-yielding short duration Basmati rice varieties including Pusa Basmati 1509 , Pusa Basmati 1692  and Pusa Basmati 1847  and non-basmati category, aromatic rice varieties PR 126 , Pusa Sugandh 5  and Pusa 1612 .These early maturing varieties mature about 20-25 days in advance which enable farmers for straw management and preparation of the fields for wheat sowing.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing National Food Security Mission  to increase the production and productivity of foodgrain crops including rice. The various interventions such as cluster demonstrations on direct seeded rice, line transplanting, stress-tolerant varieties etc., distribution of quality seeds of high-yielding varieties including Short Duration Varieties& hybrids, micro-nutrients, soil ameliorants, plant protection chemicals, farm equipments and machinery are implemented to increase rice production and productivity.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Communications
Augmentation of one additional 10Gbps International bandwidth at Agartala to strengthen internet services in North Eastern States
For making available high quality and high speed internet access to Meghalaya and other North Eastern States of the country, BSNL has commissioned additional one 10 Gbps International Bandwidth for Internet Connectivity at Agartala through Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh on 21-04-2022 which will also help in reduction of latency and congestion in Internet Traffic. This development has come few months after Minister’s visit to North East during which he reiterated his commitment to improve internet connectivity in the region.
BSNL had commissioned earlier one 10G International bandwidth at Agartala on 26-11-2021 for North Eastern states.
The availability of high speed internet access will help in establishment of software parks & high speed Data centers for business purposes in North Eastern States. It will benefit the citizens in accessing various e-services such as e-governance, e-education, e-health, e-commerce, e-banking, etc. It will also result in increase of employment & tourism in these states.
USOF is providing BSNL with subsidy/support of 80% for a period of three years for this 2x10G International bandwidth.
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 1190
Ministry of Finance
49.87 crore people had health insurance coverage  in FY 2019-20
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India  has informed that the total number of lives covered under health insurance business  in Financial Year 2019-20 was 49.87 crore.
This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
The Minister stated that IRDAI has further informed that the total number of lives covered under health insurance business  from 1.4.2020 to 30.9.2020 has been 30.22 crore  as compared to 17.83 crore for the period from 1.4.2019 to 30.9.2019 showing a growth of 69.8%.
In general, there has been no abnormal increase in health insurance premium during the pandemic, the Minister stated.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Press Communique
Vide notification dated 12.10.2021, in exercise of the power conferred by clause  of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint the following Additional Judgesof the Gauhati High Court as Judges of the Gauhati High Court w.e.f. the date they assume charge of their respective offices: -
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Sl. No.
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Name 
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1.
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SoumitraSaikia
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2.
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ParthivjyotiSaikia
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3.
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S. HukatoSwuw.e.f. from 05.11.2021